INVASIVE PLANTS WATCH LIST

Wild Chervil and Bur Chervil (Anthriscus spp) Wild chervil invades pastures and hayfields, reducing forage available for grazing animals and causes molding in hay crops. It can also be a host for a virus that attacks

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Also known as Policeman’s Helmet, this plant is extremely invasive in moist, natural areas. It displaces native plants, but dies back in winter, leaving soils exposed and subject to erosion. FURTHER

Old Man's Beard (Clematis vitalba) Also known as Old Man’s Beard, this fast-growing vine clambers up trees and forms a dense canopy, depriving other plants of sunlight. It grows in a wide variety of habitats,

Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria genistifolia spp. dalmatica) Classified as a noxious weed under the B. C. Weed Control Act, this snapdragon-like plant can form thickets that crowd out native species. Classified as a noxious weed under

Spurge (Euphorbia species) A number of Euphorbia species are highly invasive, can chemically inhibit other vegetation, and can induce blisters in humans and animals. Leafy spurge, a designated Noxious Weed, has tiny yellow/green flowers

Knotweed (Polygonum species) These large-leafed plants with tall bamboo-like stems and small white/green flowers can shade out native plants, especially near wetland areas. Classified as a noxious weed under the BC Weed Control Act. BC

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) This plant crowds out native vegetation, especially around wetlands. The purple flowers are set close along the stem (a “spike” arrangement) and usually each have six petals. The stem is

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) This tall plant shows spotted leaf stalks and purple/red colour on the stems. It shades and kills native vegetation, increasing risk of erosion. CAUTION: Touching the plant can result in a

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) Common tansy is a poisonous weed and is classified as a Noxious weed in BC. It is distinguished from Tansy Ragwort in that it has many yellow disc flowers. BC Invasives

Yellow Archangel or Lamium (Lamium galeobdolon or Lamiastrum galeobdolon) This plant is often sold in hanging baskets or as a groundcover. It spreads aggressively in woodlands and riparian areas, climbing over and killing native plants

Periwinkle (Vinca minor and Vinca major) Both species of periwinkle grow rapidly and adapt to a variety of conditions, forming dense mats that suppress and out-compete other plants. Coastal ISC Species Profile

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) Previously recommended for attracting butterflies, this bush is common on Salt Spring and is now considered invasive in southern BC. It spreads rapidly and displaces native vegetation in disturbed areas, forest

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Holly is spread widely by birds, and adapts to a variety of habitats. It grows quickly and casts deep shade, depriving native plants of light, nutrients and water. Coastal ISC

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobeae) This plant with daisy-like flowers may exceed one meter in height. It can cause liver damage to animals that feed upon it. Classified as a noxious weed under the BC Weed